Hair loss after giving birth

[Lucy11]

Hi, I am currently pregnant and am aware that after giving birth, hair loss can be quite common. Is there anything you would recommend to help reduce the risk/severity of this? Perhaps something I can do now, or even once the baby is here? Thank you

[Dr Alia Ahmed]

Dear Lucy
Thank you for this question. As you mention, post-partum hair loss is something that many women experience. Understandably this can have a psychological impact. Pregnancy hormones reduce the rate of hair fall and therefore after pregnancy the hair that was expected to fall earlier in its life cycle will then start to shed. There is not alot of strong evidence for preventing this hair loss but you can try the following:
1. Keep on top of iron levels during pregnancy
2. Consider pregnancy and breastfeeding safe supplements
3. Hair fibres and thickening shampoos
I hope this helps!
Regards
Dr Alia